Writer's Block

So the past few days I haven't really been able to think of much to write on/about. I've just been struggling to get anything down on paper. Any topics or ideas of something that I could write about would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Keep your Eyes on Jesus

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)

In the midst of everything that we go through in this life; all the struggles, sin, trials, and triumphs it is of the utmost importance to always keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith . If we get distracted and take our eyes off Him then we start living this life for ourselves and our own selfish desires and we stop living our lives all for Jesus and His glory.

Sometimes by David Crowder Band

I have been listening to this song a lot lately and a few lyrics in particular have really stuck out to me each and every time that I have listened to it. Here are those lyrics:

When we've given up
Let your healing come
When there’s nothing left
Let your healing come
Til we’re rising up
Let your healing come
Where You go we will follow
Where You go we will follow

Temptation

In Christ we have the power, mercy, and grace to flee from any temptation that would cause us to sin! Don't try to resist temptation, FLEE from temptation into the arms of our Lord, Savior, King Jesus Christ!

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV).

As I was reading this passage of Scripture this morning, I was reminded again that even as we are tempted to sin, Jesus was also tempted yet He did not sin. So He can sympathize with us when we are being tempted to sin and we can look to Him and Him alone to "receive mercy and find grace" in our time of temptation and need.

Friends

Tonight I was reminded just how good it is to reconnect with old friends that I haven't talked to in a while. It is so cool to hear how God has been working in their lives as well to share what God has been doing in my life over the past year. I was also reminded just how important to it is to have others that I can share my struggles, trials, successes with, or just to learn from one another. Just knowing that someone is or has dealt with something that I have or am dealing with is so encouraging and helpful. I also praise and thank God for friends that care enough to pray for me and just to talk about God and life with.

To wrap things up I want to share some passages of Scripture that I have kept coming back to time and time again...

"Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:2-4).

"We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God:those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Goodness vs. the Cross

Just thought I'd share a little video that I saw on Youtube. It is an excerpt from a sermon by Matt Chandler, a pastor down in Dallas, Texas.
This clip is basically talking about how we cannot save ourselves and how it is only God that can justify and save us from sin and death.

God's Grace in my Life

Even in the dark moments God is there. When nothing seems to be going right He is there. When it feels as if the world is crumbling down around you, just cry out to God and He'll listen and be your Comforter. So often life seems uncertain to us, the direction of our lives seems unclear, but God is faithful and will guide us even in the midst of great sadness, confusion, fear, etc.
God is faithful even when I'm not. He will never leave me nor forsake me. His grace poured out for me is like an ocean in which I'm drowning in. The fact that even when I'm at worst, even when I sin and mess up He still loves me and is always with me, just completely blows me away and leads me to praise Him all the more.
I've screwed up a thousand times in my life and I will screw up a thousand more, but by God's grace and the strength that only He can provide I will get through all of it and come out better than I was before; all to God's glory.
If it wasn't for the hope that I have in Jesus Christ I have no idea where I would be today. God was always pursuing me, always calling out to me, even when I wanted nothing to do with Him. That is true love right there! God is so good!
To think that the God that created everything would want to have a relationship with a ill deserving sinner like me and would send His Son Jesus Christ to die for all my sins is just so incredible to think about! I praise God for His grace and mercy that I have received.